Five Texans to watch vs. the 49ers

August 28, 2014 5:59 PM

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Quarterback Tom Savage

The fourth-round pick got a lot of well-deserved attention for leading the come-from-behind victory at Denver. He’ll receive his most extensive playing time, and he needs to take advantage of it. He’s calm under pressure. He needs to get the ball down the field but not force it into coverage by relying on his strong arm. He’s not very mobile, but he can slide to avoid the rush. Playing will help his pocket awareness. less

Quarterback Tom Savage The fourth-round pick got a lot of well-deserved attention for leading the come-from-behind victory at Denver. He’ll receive his most extensive playing time, and he needs to take

The six-year veteran can play inside or outside, and he can return kickoffs. In this offense, he’s best suited for slot receiver. His experience and versatility could win him the job. He has five catches for 53 yards. He’s got quickness off the line of scrimmage. He’s developed moves to get away from corners playing press coverage. He’s also got splendid speed. Remember, coaches like experience. less

Receiver Mike Thomas The six-year veteran can play inside or outside, and he can return kickoffs. In this offense, he’s best suited for slot receiver. His experience and versatility could win him the job. He

The six-year veteran is two seasons removed from surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. He works as hard as anybody on the team, and he’s playing in preseason like he did before the injury ended his 2012 season and limited him last season. He’s a valuable reserve who relies on quickness, leverage and work ethic and plays up and down the line. He plays the run well and holds up on the pass rush. less

Defensive end Tim Jamison The six-year veteran is two seasons removed from surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. He works as hard as anybody on the team, and he’s playing in preseason like he did

If the Texans drafted today, they wouldn’t wait until the seventh round to take him. He’s been one of the pleasant surprises of camp and preseason. At 5-10, 188, he’s not as tall as coaches like, but he’s fast, confident and smart. He’s a quick learner, and he’s got ball skills. He’s improved coverage since he joined the team, and there’s no reason to think he won’t get better. less

Cornerback Andre Hal If the Texans drafted today, they wouldn’t wait until the seventh round to take him. He’s been one of the pleasant surprises of camp and preseason. At 5-10, 188, he’s not as tall as

After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery before camp, the third-round pick was brought along slowly. He had to get into football shape. He played his best in the last game, but he’s got a long way to go. He’s got everything the coaches want in a true two-gap 3-4 nose tackle, but he’s fallen behind. Expect him to play a lot against the 49ers and be part of an inside rotation when the season begins. less

Nose tackle Louis Nix III After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery before camp, the third-round pick was brought along slowly. He had to get into football shape. He played his best in the last game, but